The Warwick Redbacks have been successful in receiving a $100,000 ‘Get Playing’ grant from the Queensland Government, to help build their new clubhouse.
After many years of planning, the Redbacks moved to their new home ground, Roddies Oval for the 2012 season with just some keen volunteers, some amazing new goalposts and a big patch of grass.
Starting at 6am, a loyal band of helpers would set up “tent city” to ensure visiting teams and spectators were able to get the facilities and footballing experience they would receive at any other oval.
Now, as the project nears completion this arduous task will be nearly all over as the club will boast the best facilities on the Darling Downs.
The new clubhouse, worth an estimated $500,000 will have large change room facilities for players of both teams as well as the umpires, as well as state of the art canteen and function room capabilities. Crucially though, the new clubhouse is raised up well above predicted flood levels to ensure the new pride and joy of Roddies Oval stays dry.
Even when the 2013 floods sent the playing surface 1.5 metres underwater, the only water which went into the clubhouse was that from the sky because the clubhouse did not yet have a roof on it.
President of the club, Keith Clarke said it’s fantastic to secure the grant money as the project nears completion.
“We can’t thank the State Government enough. This money will ensure that our rooms will be completed and all of our members will have a home ground they can be truly proud of” said Clarke.
“It will help attract plenty of new members to the club by providing them with the best facilities possible.”
The new clubhouse will also allow the club to hold functions at the club, which will in turn help to raise money which can be directed straight back to providing players with the best possible experience.
“Instead of our members and spectators spending their money elsewhere, they will be able to keep it at the club, which will in turn help us to provide better equipment and better services for them. It’s a perfect circle” said Clarke.
The Warwick Redbacks kick off their season on April 6th, but will officially open their clubhouse on Saturday April 27th when they host the competition newcomers the South Burnett Saints at Roddies Oval. Junior games start at 8:40am, with the A Grade match beginning at 2:30pm.
